Ward was previously with the band Rodriguez, which included bassist Kyle Field (of Little Wings fame) and drummer Mike Funk. They recorded and released on cassette Box Plots and Cash Crops and then the album Swing Like a Metronome in 2000. Duet for Guitars #2 was released on Howe Gelb's Ow Om record label. Ward's 2001 album, End of Amnesia, was released by Future Farmer Records, and his subsequent albums have been released on Merge Records. A collection of live recordings, Live Music & the Voices of Strangers, was a self-released disc that was sold at his shows. His next album, Transfiguration of Vincent, was released in 2003, followed by Transistor Radio in 2005. A year later, Post War was released.
In 2006, he contributed a song to, and helped produce, the John Fahey tribute album, I Am the Resurrection. He also contributed the song "Transfiguration #1" from Transfiguration of Vincent to the Brushfire Records soundtrack for A Brokedown Melody, a Jack Johnson surfing film.
His album, Hold Time, was released in 2009. The album A Wasteland Companion followed in 2012. The album title alludes to T.S. Eliot's 1922 modernist poem, The Waste Land. In 2016, he released More Rain. On June 8, 2018, M. Ward released What a Wonderful Industry.
Side Projects
In 2008 M. Ward combined forces with Zooey Deschanel and became She & Him. They have released two albums so far, Volume One in 2008 and Volume Two in 2010. He is also one fourth of the folk supergroup, Monsters of Folk, alongside Jim James from My Morning Jacket, and Conor Oberst & Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes. Their self-titled release, Monsters of Folk, was released in 2009.
* Official website
Fisher of Men
M. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you
When you tumble upon that valley
Shark or sparrow line the stairs
When the arrows start descending, then they scatter everywhere
On a bookshelf in Caledonia sits a map of passageways
Best to stumble upon Mount Zion to behold the natural gates
They say the original sinners never felt a drop of pain
Until that second in the garden, then they felt it each and every day
So draw back your bows, you hunters who have never felt that plain
All the absolute beginners, they are safe in the shade for today
When you're absolute beginners, it's a panoramic view
From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you
The opening lines of M. Ward's song Fisher of Men addresses those who are just starting off in their journey, as "absolute beginners," and how they see things through a wide lens or "panoramic view," from the top of Mount Zion. This biblical reference adds a layer of spirituality and perhaps even the idea that the "kingdom" mentioned is a kind of divine paradise promised to those that are true of heart. The second verse refers to the hardships that will inevitably come as depicted by the image of a "valley," where the "shark or sparrow line the stairs." As the "arrows start descending," causing chaos and confusion, the image of a "map of passageways" in Caledonia (Scotland), acts as a guide towards the "natural gates" of Mount Zion.
In the following verse, there is a mention of "original sinners" and how they never experienced "pain" until they were cast out of paradise. This ties in again with the idea of Mount Zion being a utopian paradise. The final verse is a rallying call to those who have tasted the bitter truths of life ("felt that pain") to aim their bows and fight for what they want. The absolute beginners, however, are safe in the shade, not yet having to face the harsh realities of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're absolute beginners, it's a panoramic view
Being a beginner opens up new perspectives and opportunities.
From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you
Going to Mount Zion will give you grand experiences and a world of possibilities.
When you tumble upon that valley
When you encounter a valley or low point in your life.
Shark or sparrow line the stairs
There are different dangers and challenges that come with going up or down.
When the arrows start descending, then they scatter everywhere
Chaos and confusion can come when things start going wrong.
On a bookshelf in Caledonia sits a map of passageways
There are ways to navigate through challenging situations.
Best to stumble upon Mount Zion to behold the natural gates
It's worth facing challenges to have transcendent experiences.
They say the original sinners never felt a drop of pain
Sinners don't know what they're missing until they commit their first sin.
Until that second in the garden, then they felt it each and every day
Once they experienced sin, they felt the burden of pain and responsibility.
So draw back your bows, you hunters who have never felt that plain
Take aim, those who haven't experienced hardship, and get ready because it's coming.
All the absolute beginners, they are safe in the shade for today
Beginners are protected from hardship temporarily, but it won't last forever.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: M. WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Scudder2008
came across this guy on PBS late one night...I was hooked...true talent......
@TheNateFishermanShow
Great Song
@reisdrothepoet
This song is amazing. M.Ward is amazing.
@apple.sauce.
I have listened to this album over and over. I hope he play until he dies.
@sterlingwalter5971
Found him on this fantastic radio station WUMB 91.9 FM
@ZeeJules67
I just showed this to my mom. She really digs it :D
@lowmazda626
Matt is truly unique and inspirational.
@Noellenc
I made a video with this song for Father's Day... all different boating themed photos from around New England, where I live, for my dad who lives in Maryland! :)
@Noellenc
@kasroa I made it private b/c it's sort of personal to my family, but if you wanted to see it I could send you a link :)
@Noellenc
@kasroa Sure, can you add me as a friend that way I can msg you the link?